Mass Reading & Meditation for April 26, 2013

These words might have sounded all right while Jesus and the disciples were celebrating the Last Supper. But can you imagine how the disciples felt the next day, when Jesus had been crucified? “Have faith? How? The One we hoped would be the Messiah has died. What hope can we possibly have—let alone faith?”

Have you ever felt like this? You had so much excitement and expectation, and suddenly everything changed. With it, you felt hurt and alone. You felt as if your hope had died. Even as you went on living, a little part of you felt isolated, buried, and entombed. But just as death could not hold Christ in the tomb, he wants you to know that you can have faith in him. You can still trust that he will restore you and bring you new hope.

Maybe you can think of a situation right now that you just find difficult even to contemplate. In your quiet time, picture Jesus in the room with you. Look at the smile on his face as he gazes at you. Listen to his words: “I want you to know my peace. I know the places that hurt and feel dead. I want to bring them to new life. But don’t worry. I’ll work only when you are ready. Whether it is today, next week, or even months from now, I will wait as long as you need me to. But right now, can you take one small step of faith toward me?”

It’s okay if you don’t feel too much progress. Remember, the disciples didn’t dare to hope right away either. So if even accepting God’s love in this area is a struggle, ask the Holy Spirit to help you navigate the emotions that keep this part of your heart buried away. Ask him to help you release them to him: disappointment, frustration, self-blame, guilt, discouragement—whatever they may be. Just exposing these emotions to him is already an act of faith. Give it time, and you’ll find the Lord slowly, gently restoring your hope. You do have faith in God—or you wouldn’t be reading these words. Jesus sees that faith, and he is blessing it right now.

“Jesus, help me to find hope again. I believe that you are merciful and kind. Help me, Lord, to find new life in you.”